Watford defender Danny Shittu has claimed Rangers remain his "first choice" and is hopeful "a deal can be done".

Gers boss Walter Smith abandoned planned to sign the Nigeria international despite having a bid, believed to be £1.5million, accepted by the Coca-Cola Championship club.

Smith claimed the Gers had "not accepted" Shittu's wage demands, but the 27-year-old has now given his side of the story.

He told the Daily Record: "I was prepared to join Rangers.

"They put a proposal on the table which was acceptable but when the contract was put in writing the deal had changed. That is where the breakdown in the talks came about.

"There is other interest out there but my first choice remains Rangers and I believe a deal can be done."

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